(From company literature) Manfrotto 055MF4 MagFiber 4. A four-section version of the 190MF3, the 190MF4 is more compact for traveling and just a few inches shorter in height when fully extended. It is an ideal tripod to fit into a backpack.

Weighing in at 3.5lbs, the 190MF4 provides professional photographers with a tripod that’s light, compact, simple to use, strong, and extremely versatile to position.

Without compromising on stability or rigidity of the tripod, Manfrotto engineers reduced the weight of the 190MF4 by utilizing carbon fiber legs with quick action lever locks in magnesium and resin. In addition, they incorporated the patended design of the 3001PRO series top spider which offers four leg angle settings, and converts the center column into a lateral arm.

The center column itself is of the latest generation of aluminum and resin materials. The low-angle adapter forms the top section of the center column and is easily detached by simply unscrewing the knob at the bottom of the column. This enables the head to be left mounted on the center column when switching between low-angle and normal shooting positions.

All parts are assembled using a proven pressure clamp technology for greater durability and in-the-field serviceability. To make transportation even easier, the 190MF3 is supplied with a hand padded carrying strap that can also double as a hook to hang weight and increase stability during extreme wind conditions.

Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Total Spent: $340.00| Rating: 9

Pros:

Stable, smaller folded length than most 'pods

Cons:

At 4.4 pounds, she's a bit heavy

A great in-between tripod. She's tall enough for a six footer to use w/o using the center post, she's light enough for an all-day hike, she's stable enough for a 70-200 or even longer/heavier lens, she's short enough to fit into most luggage. OTOH, she's too heavy for that 15 day trek in Nepal, too long to fit into a backpack and not quite strong enough to hold that 500mm monster lens. But to do those things costs at least 2x as much. So, the perfect 'pod folks who want minimal compromise but have various needs and a real world budget. When I sell a picture for $5000 I'll buy a Gitzo, but until then this tripod is capable of all I can dish out.